Thursday, September 1, 2022 - SHIELD ME FROM ALARM

"I thank you, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen." (Luther's Morning Prayer)

Day 244 - (Today’s Bible readings: 2 Kings 25:22-30; Psalm 61; Matthew 27:32-56 )

SHIELD ME FROM ALARM

“Let me take refuge under the shelter of your wings.”   (Psalm 61:4 ESV) 

King David is giving us an excellent example of the safest place a believer can go in times of challenge, fear, disappointment and fear. That “place” is Jesus!

I remember someone I met once who desperately needed the assurance that God loves him and wants to lead and guide and bless him. The look on his face revealed a man struggling with his own inadequacies and failures. I encouraged him to keep looking to Jesus. What comfort is ours when we remember that:

“The eternal God is your dwelling place, and underneath are the everlasting arms.” (Deuteronomy 33:27)

Sheltered under the protecting arms of Jesus we find that we overcome all and anything that could ever get us down.

“For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.”  (1 John 5:4)

The hymn writer must have had David’s words in mind when he wrote our closing prayer this morning:

Lord Jesus, who dost love me, 

Oh, spread Thy wings above me 

And shield me from alarm!  

Though evil would assail me, 

Thy mercy will not fail me: 

I rest in Thy protecting arm. Amen.

(The Lutheran Hymnal, CPH 1941, #554, stanza 5)

Pastor David Paape

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105 ), undergirds this three-year journey through the entire Old Testament once (the Psalms - twice yearly), and the New Testament twice. There will be daily readings from the O.T., Psalms and the N.T. Special days on the church calendar will be highlighted with appropriate readings. This calendar has been compiled by representatives of the Lutheran Church of Canada, the North American Lutheran Church and the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod. Please click this link for the daily reading calendar:

https://files.lcms.org/file/preview/JyxxRfAT2Eg7JfDCXaPP99G4y4rJrZQO?

Then scroll down to 2022 Bible Reading Calendar and download it if you so wish. The “assigned” daily readings will appear on a daily basis in this blog. May the Lord bless your meditation upon His precious life-giving Word!

Wednesday, August 31, 2022 - REGRET IS NOT REPENTANCE

"I thank you, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen." (Luther's Morning Prayer)

Day 243 - (Today’s Bible readings: 2 Kings 24:18-25:21, Psalm 60; Matthew 27:15-31)

REGRET IS NOT REPENTANCE

Then when Judas, his betrayer, saw that Jesus was condemned, he changed his mind and brought back the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and the elders, saying, “I have sinned by betraying innocent blood.”   (Matthew 27:3-4 ESV)

Poor Judas! The guilt he felt for having betrayed Jesus into the hands of His enemies was overwhelming. Judas changed his mind. His sin stared him in the face. “I have sinned by betraying innocent blood.” In disgrace and shame and hopelessness, Judas went out and hanged himself. How tragic!

Yes, how tragic! Judas was filled with regret that led to his demise. But it did not have to be that way. Jesus “came to seek and save the lost.” (Luke 19:10) Regret without repentance leads to despair and hopelessness. But true repentance leads to peace and hope and heaven.

Jesus put it so clearly: “Repent and believe in the gospel.” (Mark 1:15) It is good to regret our sins, but we must also repent of them, believing that Jesus died on the cross in full payment of all of them.

1. Today Your mercy calls us

    To wash away our sin.

    However great our trespass,

    Whatever we have been,

    However long from mercy

    Our hearts have turned away,

    Your precious blood can wash us

    And make us clean today.

4. O all-embracing Mercy,

    O ever-open Door,

    What shall we do without You

    When heart and eye run o'er?

    When all things seem against us,

    To drive us to despair,

    We know one gate is open,

    One ear will hear our prayer.

    (“Today Your Mercy Calls Us,” Lutheran Service Book, #915)

Do you understand what Jesus is offering you?

●   Complete and total forgiveness when you repent and believe!

●   100 % removal of guilt!

●    A confirmed reservation in heaven!

Lord Jesus, thank You for offering me complete forgiveness and freedom from my guilt. Protect me from despair by keeping me close to You for the rest of my life. Please use me to share Your “all-embracing Mercy” with others who need You just as desperately as I do.  Amen.

Pastor David Paape

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105 ), undergirds this three-year journey through the entire Old Testament once (the Psalms - twice yearly), and the New Testament twice. There will be daily readings from the O.T., Psalms and the N.T. Special days on the church calendar will be highlighted with appropriate readings. This calendar has been compiled by representatives of the Lutheran Church of Canada, the North American Lutheran Church and the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod. Please click this link for the daily reading calendar:

https://files.lcms.org/file/preview/JyxxRfAT2Eg7JfDCXaPP99G4y4rJrZQO?

Then scroll down to 2022 Bible Reading Calendar and download it if you so wish. The “assigned” daily readings will appear on a daily basis in this blog. May the Lord bless your meditation upon His precious life-giving Word!

Tuesday, August 20, 2022 - DELIVER ME FROM MY ENEMIES

"I thank you, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen." (Luther's Morning Prayer)

Day 242 - (Today’s Bible readings: 2 Kings 23:36-24:17, Psalm 59; Matthew 27:1-14)

DELIVER ME FROM MY ENEMIES

Deliver me from my enemies, O my God;

    protect me from those who rise up against me;

deliver me from those who work evil,

    and save me from bloodthirsty men.

(Psalm 59:1-2 ESV) 

David’s cry for deliverance from his enemies could well be the cry of persecuted Christians around the world today. While our religious freedom is under attack in our country, it cannot be compared to what Christians in Muslim countries face if they do not convert to Islam.

The hymn writer followed the example of David’s prayer in this manner:

Preserve, O Lord, your Zion,

Bought dearly with your blood;

Protect what you have chosen

Against the hellish flood.

Be always our defender

When dangers gather round;

When all the earth is crumbling,

Safe may your Church be found.

(“Preserve Your Word, O Savior,” Lutheran Service Book, CPH 2006, #658, stanza 3)

Almighty God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, thank You for being my Deliverer from sin, death and the power of the devil. Please preserve Your Church and deliver my brothers and sisters in Christ from the dangers that are gathering around them. In Jesus’ saving name. Amen. 

Pastor David Paape

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105 ), undergirds this three-year journey through the entire Old Testament once (the Psalms - twice yearly), and the New Testament twice. There will be daily readings from the O.T., Psalms and the N.T. Special days on the church calendar will be highlighted with appropriate readings. This calendar has been compiled by representatives of the Lutheran Church of Canada, the North American Lutheran Church and the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod. Please click this link for the daily reading calendar:

https://files.lcms.org/file/preview/JyxxRfAT2Eg7JfDCXaPP99G4y4rJrZQO?

Then scroll down to 2022 Bible Reading Calendar and download it if you so wish. The “assigned” daily readings will appear on a daily basis in this blog. May the Lord bless your meditation upon His precious life-giving Word!

Monday, August 29, 2022 - HE DESERVES DEATH

"I thank you, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen." (Luther's Morning Prayer)

Day 241 - (Today’s Bible readings: 2 Kings 23:21-35, Psalm 58; Matthew 26:57-75)

HE DESERVES DEATH

But Jesus remained silent. And the high priest said to him, “I adjure you by the living God, tell us if you are the Christ, the Son of God.” Jesus said to him, “You have said so. But I tell you, from now on you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power and coming on the clouds of heaven.” Then the high priest tore his robes and said, “He has uttered blasphemy. What further witnesses do we need? You have now heard his blasphemy. What is your judgment?” They answered, “He deserves death.” (Matthew 26:63-66 ESV)

They could find nothing to charge Jesus with other than their hatred and jealousy. Then the high priest asked THE question. It was the question that was on everyone’s minds. The answer Jesus gave was all they needed. And how did they respond? With more hatred and jealousy that concluded with “He deserves death.”

This statement was, of course, the wrong answer, for Jesus was/is the perfect, holy, innocent and eternal Son of God. In another sense, this is the right answer. As our substitute, Jesus did deserve death because that is exactly what we poor, miserable sinners do deserve. We thank God that our substitute experienced the death of hell for us and spoke what should be our eternal words: “My God, My God, why have You forsaken me?”  (Matthew 27:46 ESV)

1 O dearest Jesus, what law hast Thou broken

That such sharp sentence should on Thee be spoken?

Of what great crime hast Thou to make confession,

What dark transgression?

3 Whence come these sorrows, whence this mortal anguish?

It is my sins for which Thou, Lord, must languish;

Yea, all the wrath, the woe, Thou dost inherit,

This I do merit.

5 The sinless Son of God must die in sadness;

The sinful child of man may live in gladness;

Man forfeited his life and is acquitted;

God is committed.

“O Dearest Jesus, What Law Hast Thou Broken,” Lutheran Service Book CPH #439 (1,3,5)

O dearest Jesus, thank You for taking what I deserved on Your shoulders when You died on the cross. I am truly sorry for my part in Your innocent sufferings and death. Please forgive me and use me to proclaim Your great love and mercy to others. Amen.

Pastor David Paape

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105 ), undergirds this three-year journey through the entire Old Testament once (the Psalms - twice yearly), and the New Testament twice. There will be daily readings from the O.T., Psalms and the N.T. Special days on the church calendar will be highlighted with appropriate readings. This calendar has been compiled by representatives of the Lutheran Church of Canada, the North American Lutheran Church and the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod. Please click this link for the daily reading calendar:

https://files.lcms.org/file/preview/JyxxRfAT2Eg7JfDCXaPP99G4y4rJrZQO?

Then scroll down to 2022 Bible Reading Calendar and download it if you so wish. The “assigned” daily readings will appear on a daily basis in this blog. May the Lord bless your meditation upon His precious life-giving Word!

Sunday, August 28, 2022 - LORD HAVE MERCY AND GIVE US HOPE

"I thank you, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen." (Luther's Morning Prayer)

Day 240 - (Today’s Bible readings: 2 Kings 23:1-20, Psalm 57; Matthew 26:36-56)

LORD HAVE MERCY AND GIVE US HOPE

Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me, for in you my soul takes refuge; in the shadow of your wings I will take refuge, till the storms of destruction pass by. (Psalm 57:1 ESV) 

What is mercy? Mercy is God’s undeserved blessing showered upon repentant sinners. Peter described God’s mercy this way: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you.”  (1 Peter 1:3-4 ESV)

Believers in Christ have been given what we do not deserve, hope. We deserve to be hopeless, to have nothing to look forward to other than eternal damnation in hell. But, God the Father has been merciful to us.

● He sent Jesus to take your place and suffer the punishment you deserve.

● Jesus paid off your debt of sin.

● And now you have that living hope.

● Eternal life in heaven is yours for sure!

● Until then, God promises to lead and direct your life.

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your mercy shown me in Jesus, my Savior. Please use me to share Your mercy with others. Amen. 

“See” you at the Communion rail this morning!

Pastor David Paape

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105 ), undergirds this three-year journey through the entire Old Testament once (the Psalms - twice yearly), and the New Testament twice. There will be daily readings from the O.T., Psalms and the N.T. Special days on the church calendar will be highlighted with appropriate readings. This calendar has been compiled by representatives of the Lutheran Church of Canada, the North American Lutheran Church and the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod. Please click this link for the daily reading calendar:

https://files.lcms.org/file/preview/JyxxRfAT2Eg7JfDCXaPP99G4y4rJrZQO?

Then scroll down to 2022 Bible Reading Calendar and download it if you so wish. The “assigned” daily readings will appear on a daily basis in this blog. May the Lord bless your meditation upon His precious life-giving Word!

Saturday, August 27, 2022 - WELCOME TO THE TABLE OF THE LORD

"I thank you, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen." (Luther's Morning Prayer)

Day 239 - (Today’s Bible readings: 2 Kings 22:8-20; Psalm 56; Matthew 26:17-35)

WELCOME TO THE TABLE OF THE LORD

Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is my body.” And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, “Drink of it, all of you, for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the  forgiveness of sins.. (Matthew 26:26-28 ESV)

Jesus had you and me on His mind as He looked forward to the rest of the first Maundy Thursday and Good Friday. Just think of it. His bitter suffering and death were fast approaching, and the suffering Servant was focused on instituting His meal in which He serves us His body and blood. What precious treasures He offers us here:

● Forgiveness of sins

● Communion with God and with His people

● Assurance of His constant presence with us

● Preview of the heavenly banquet 

These are the treasures almighty God has FOR YOU in this spiritual meal. 

● What an encouragement we are to other worshipers as we answer the invitation to the Lord’s Supper! 

● Remember, this is all FOR YOU!

● How wonderful to know that His answer to the following prayer is a forgiving, comforting and empowering “Yes, My body and My blood are given for your highest good.” 

♬ Weary am I and heavy laden,

With sin my soul is sore oppressed;

Receive me graciously, and gladden

My heart, for I am now Thy guest.

Lord, may Thy body and Thy blood

Be for my soul the highest good! Amen.

(I Come, O Savior, to Thy Table, Lutheran Service Book, CPH, 2006 #618 stanza 4)

"See" you at church tomorrow!

Pastor David Paape

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105 ), undergirds this three-year journey through the entire Old Testament once (the Psalms - twice yearly), and the New Testament twice. There will be daily readings from the O.T., Psalms and the N.T. Special days on the church calendar will be highlighted with appropriate readings. This calendar has been compiled by representatives of the Lutheran Church of Canada, the North American Lutheran Church and the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod. Please click this link for the daily reading calendar:

https://files.lcms.org/file/preview/JyxxRfAT2Eg7JfDCXaPP99G4y4rJrZQO?

Then scroll down to 2022 Bible Reading Calendar and download it if you so wish. The “assigned” daily readings will appear on a daily basis in this blog. May the Lord bless your meditation upon His precious life-giving Word!

Friday, August 26, 2022 -

 

"I thank you, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen." (Luther's Morning Prayer)

Day 238 - (Today’s Bible readings: 2 Kings 21:19-22:7, Psalm 55; Matthew 26:1-16)

WHAT WILL YOU GIVE ME FOR JESUS?

Then one of the twelve, whose name was Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and said, “What will you give me if I deliver him over to you?” And they paid him thirty pieces of silver. And from that moment he sought an opportunity to betray him. (Matthew 26:14-16 ESV)

What will you give me for Jesus? What a horrid thought! What a treacherous question! Judas, what a scoundrel!

You and I would never ask that question, not for anything. But wait, that is exactly what sin is – trading loyalty to Jesus for ...

wealth

possessions

fame

power

control

hatred

fear

greed

pride

lewdness

immorality

self-centeredness

unbelief

How does Jesus respond when we sell him out? We find the answer in Paul’s second letter to Timothy.

The saying is trustworthy, for: If we have died with him, we will also live with him;

if we endure, we will also reign with him; if we deny him, he also will deny us;

if we are faithless, he remains faithful—for he cannot deny himself.

(2 Timothy 2:11-13 EV)

Dear Lord Jesus, thank You for being faithful to me even when, by virtue of my sin, I have not been faithful to You. Thank You for not turning Your back on me when I have sold you out to my sinful inclinations. Please continue to shower me with Your amazing grace, forgiving my sins and promising me what I do not deserve--heaven.  Amen.

Pastor David Paape

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105 ), undergirds this three-year journey through the entire Old Testament once (the Psalms - twice yearly), and the New Testament twice. There will be daily readings from the O.T., Psalms and the N.T. Special days on the church calendar will be highlighted with appropriate readings. This calendar has been compiled by representatives of the Lutheran Church of Canada, the North American Lutheran Church and the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod. Please click this link for the daily reading calendar:

https://files.lcms.org/file/preview/JyxxRfAT2Eg7JfDCXaPP99G4y4rJrZQO?

Then scroll down to 2022 Bible Reading Calendar and download it if you so wish. The “assigned” daily readings will appear on a daily basis in this blog. May the Lord bless your meditation upon His precious life-giving Word!

Thursday, August 25, 2022 - HELP SOMEONE FOR JESUS

"I thank you, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen." (Luther's Morning Prayer)

Day 237 - (Today’s Bible readings: 2 Kings 21:1-18, Psalm 54; Matthew 25:31-46)

HELP SOMEONE FOR JESUS

Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’ Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’  (Matthew 25:34-40 ESV)

The Lord Jesus is teaching us one of the most important life lessons. How can we serve Jesus? By serving others. It is so simple, and yet many don’t seem to get it. 

Martin Luther brought this point home in one of his Christmas sermons. “And don’t let you people in this congregation think you’d have done any better if you were there. I can just hear you say, “Oh, we would have loved to take care of the Baby Jesus. We would have washed his diapers.” No you wouldn’t!  If you’d been there you wouldn’t have done a bit better, and if you think you would, why don’t you do it for your neighbor in your midst, who is Christ among you?”

Who is Christ among you?

● the hungry

● the thirsty

● the stranger

● the naked

● the sick

● the prisoner

● ANYONE IN NEED

When we serve Jesus by helping others in need, they will be more open to hearing about all that Jesus means to us today, and for our eternal future!

Heavenly Father, open my eyes to the opportunities around me every day to serve Jesus. Helping me to see Jesus in all of the needy. Yes Lord, please use me to reach others for You. In Jesus’ saving name.   Amen.

Pastor David Paape

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105 ), undergirds this three-year journey through the entire Old Testament once (the Psalms - twice yearly), and the New Testament twice. There will be daily readings from the O.T., Psalms and the N.T. Special days on the church calendar will be highlighted with appropriate readings. This calendar has been compiled by representatives of the Lutheran Church of Canada, the North American Lutheran Church and the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod. Please click this link for the daily reading calendar:

https://files.lcms.org/file/preview/JyxxRfAT2Eg7JfDCXaPP99G4y4rJrZQO?

Then scroll down to 2022 Bible Reading Calendar and download it if you so wish. The “assigned” daily readings will appear on a daily basis in this blog. May the Lord bless your meditation upon His precious life-giving Word!

Wednesday, August 24, 2022 - WE DESPERATELY NEED HELP

 

"I thank you, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen." (Luther's Morning Prayer)

Day 236 - (Today’s Bible readings: 2 Kings 20:1-21, Psalm 53; Matthew 25:14-30)

WE DESPERATELY NEED HELP

They have all fallen away;

    together they have become corrupt;

there is none who does good,

    not even one. (Psalm 53:3 ESV) 

Decades ago this question took me by surprise. “What do you call a sin?” The questioner didn’t believe that she was a sinner. Perhaps she was comparing herself to others. Whatever methods we may employ to minimize our sins, we can do nothing to minimize our passage for today. “There is none that does good, not even one.”

We desperately need help, which is precisely why Jesus came down to earth in the first place.

But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. (Galatians 4:4-5 ESV)

We are great sinners. And Jesus is our great Savior!

  Jesus sinners doth receive;

  Oh, may all this saying ponder

  Who in sin's delusions live

  And from God and heaven wander!

  Here is hope for all who grieve--

  Jesus sinners doth receive.

  (“Jesus Sinners Doth Receive,” The Lutheran Hymnal, CPH 1941, #324)

Thank You, Lord Jesus, for being the Savior of this sinner. Remind me daily of how important it is to repent and believe. Amen. 

Pastor David Paape

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105 ), undergirds this three-year journey through the entire Old Testament once (the Psalms - twice yearly), and the New Testament twice. There will be daily readings from the O.T., Psalms and the N.T. Special days on the church calendar will be highlighted with appropriate readings. This calendar has been compiled by representatives of the Lutheran Church of Canada, the North American Lutheran Church and the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod. Please click this link for the daily reading calendar:

https://files.lcms.org/file/preview/JyxxRfAT2Eg7JfDCXaPP99G4y4rJrZQO?

Then scroll down to 2022 Bible Reading Calendar and download it if you so wish. The “assigned” daily readings will appear on a daily basis in this blog. May the Lord bless your meditation upon His precious life-giving Word!

Tuesday, August 23, 2022 - GODLINESS WITH CONTENTMENT

"I thank you, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen." (Luther's Morning Prayer)

Day 235 - (Today’s Bible readings: 2 Kings 19:20–37; Psalm 52; Matt. 24:36–25:13)

GODLINESS WITH CONTENTMENT

“But godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content.” (1 Timothy 6:6-8 ESV) 

Being content is not how most people live. All of the TV ads are meant to make us not be content. Their goal is to create a desire to have more of whatever product they are pushing.

The picture attached here reveals a man who could well be very content. Bible study, prayer and meditation can go a long way towards contentment. Attending church and receiving the Lord’s body and blood do the same.

Lord Jesus, fill me with godly contentment as I trust in Your daily presence in my life and Your gracious gift of forgiveness. May the contentment that comes from You guide me every day for the rest of my life.  Amen.

Pastor David Paape

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105 ), undergirds this three-year journey through the entire Old Testament once (the Psalms - twice yearly), and the New Testament twice. There will be daily readings from the O.T., Psalms and the N.T. Special days on the church calendar will be highlighted with appropriate readings. This calendar has been compiled by representatives of the Lutheran Church of Canada, the North American Lutheran Church and the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod. Please click this link for the daily reading calendar:

https://files.lcms.org/file/preview/JyxxRfAT2Eg7JfDCXaPP99G4y4rJrZQO?

Then scroll down to 2022 Bible Reading Calendar and download it if you so wish. The “assigned” daily readings will appear on a daily basis in this blog. May the Lord bless your meditation upon His precious life-giving Word!

Monday, August 22, 2022 - THE HEART OF THE CHRISTIAN FAITH

"I thank you, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen." (Luther's Morning Prayer)

Day 234 - (Today’s Bible readings:  2 Kings 19:1-19; Psalm 51; Matthew 24:15-35)

THE HEART OF THE CHRISTIAN FAITH

Create in me a clean heart, O God,

    and renew a right spirit within me.

Cast me not away from your presence,

    and take not your Holy Spirit from me.

Restore to me the joy of your salvation,

    and uphold me with a willing spirit. 

     (Psalm 51:10-12 ESV) 

The heart of the Christian faith is the gift of complete forgiveness showered freely upon all who repent and see God’s mercy.

John writes of God’s merciful promise this way: 

“If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:8-9 ESV)

On Sunday morning, right after you confess your sins, you hear these soul-freeing words spoken on God’s behalf by your pastor:

Upon this your confession, I, as a called and ordained servant of the Word, announce the grace of God unto you, and in the stead and by the command of my Lord Jesus Christ, I forgive you all your sins in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. 

Thank You, Lord, for hearing my cry for mercy and for seeing my sincere confession. Your complete forgiveness of all of my sins is the greatest gift You could ever give. Please use me to share this treasure with others. In Jesus’ saving name. Amen. 

Pastor David Paape

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105 ), undergirds this three-year journey through the entire Old Testament once (the Psalms - twice yearly), and the New Testament twice. There will be daily readings from the O.T., Psalms and the N.T. Special days on the church calendar will be highlighted with appropriate readings. This calendar has been compiled by representatives of the Lutheran Church of Canada, the North American Lutheran Church and the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod. Please click this link for the daily reading calendar:

https://files.lcms.org/file/preview/JyxxRfAT2Eg7JfDCXaPP99G4y4rJrZQO?

Then scroll down to 2022 Bible Reading Calendar and download it if you so wish. The “assigned” daily readings will appear on a daily basis in this blog. May the Lord bless your meditation upon His precious life-giving Word!

Sunday, August 21, 2022 - GOD VS. BAAL...NO CONTEST

"I thank you, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen." (Luther's Morning Prayer)

Day 232 - (Today’s Bible readings: 2 Kings 18:13-37; Psalm 50; Matthew 24:3-14)

GOD VS. BAAL...NO CONTEST

Elijah the prophet came near and said, “O Lord, God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, let it be known this day that you are God in Israel.” Then the fire of the Lord fell and consumed the burnt offering and the wood and the stones and the dust, and licked up the water that was in the trench. And when all the people saw it, they fell on their faces and said, “The Lord, he is God; the Lord, he is God.” (1 Kings 18:36-39 ESV)

“O Baal, answer us,” was the cry of 450 priests of Baal in their challenge match with the prophet Elijah and the Almighty. They limped around their altar, cut themselves and cried out to Baal, but there was no answer and no fire for their offering.

Elijah’s faith in God’s answer to his prayer was so strong that he “put the wood in order and cut the bull in pieces and laid it on the wood. And he said, “Fill four jars with water and pour it on the burnt offering and on the wood.” And he said, “Do it a second time.” And they did it a second time. And he said, “Do it a third time.” And they did it a third time. And the water ran around the altar and filled the trench also with water.  (1 Kings 18:33-35 ESV)

Elijah the prophet came near and said, “O Lord, God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, let it be known this day that you are God in Israel.” Then the fire of the Lord fell and consumed the burnt offering and the wood and the stones and the dust, and licked up the water that was in the trench. And when all the people saw it, they fell on their faces and said, “The Lord, he is God; the Lord, he is God.” 

None of today’s Baals can compete with the Triune God either,

● Only Jesus can provide us with what we desperately all need. 

● Only Jesus forgives sins. 

● Only Jesus offers us reconciliation with God the Father.

● Only Jesus has defeated sin, death and the devil on our behalf. 

● Only Jesus is in heaven preparing a place for all who believe.

Almighty God, thank You for defeating all of the Baals (false gods) of all time. When my faith wavers, remind of the water-drenched offering aflame by means of Your all-consuming fire. Above all, remind me that because Jesus lives, the victory’s won.  Amen.

“See” you at the Communion rail this morning!

Pastor David Paape

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105 ), undergirds this three-year journey through the entire Old Testament once (the Psalms - twice yearly), and the New Testament twice. There will be daily readings from the O.T., Psalms and the N.T. Special days on the church calendar will be highlighted with appropriate readings. This calendar has been compiled by representatives of the Lutheran Church of Canada, the North American Lutheran Church and the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod. Please click this link for the daily reading calendar:

https://files.lcms.org/file/preview/JyxxRfAT2Eg7JfDCXaPP99G4y4rJrZQO?

Then scroll down to 2022 Bible Reading Calendar and download it if you so wish. The “assigned” daily readings will appear on a daily basis in this blog. May the Lord bless your meditation upon His precious life-giving Word!

Saturday, August 20, 2022 - GREAT IS THY FAITHFULNESS

"I thank you, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen." (Luther's Morning Prayer)

Day 232 - (Today’s Bible readings: 2 Kings 17:24-18:12; Psalm 49; Matthew 23:37-24:2)

GREAT IS THY FAITHFULNESS

“Praise the LORD, all nations! Extol him, all peoples!

For great is his steadfast love toward us,

and the faithfulness of the LORD endures forever. Praise the LORD!” (Psalm 117:1-2 NIV) 

God is faithful. What good news this is for us! While we place a high value on faithfulness, when we are honest, we must admit that we are often unfaithful to God. We think that have a better idea on how to live our lives. Yet God is faithful to us.

Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father;

There is no shadow of turning with Thee.

Thou changest not: Thy compassions, they fail not;

As Thou hast been, Thou forever wilt be. 

Great is Thy faithfulness! Great is Thy faithfulness!

Morning by morning new mercies I see;

All I have needed Thy hand hath provided;

Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!

Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth,

Thy own dear presence to cheer and to guide;

Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,

Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!

Great is Thy faithfulness! Great is Thy faithfulness!

Morning by morning new mercies I see;

All I have needed Thy hand hath provided;

Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!

(Great Is Thy Faithfulness, Lutheran Service Book, CPH 2006, #809)

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your great faithfulness to me. Thank You for not treating me as I deserve. In Jesus, my Savior, You truly have provided all that I need. Amen.   

“See” you in church tomorrow!

Pastor David Paape

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105 ), undergirds this three-year journey through the entire Old Testament once (the Psalms - twice yearly), and the New Testament twice. There will be daily readings from the O.T., Psalms and the N.T. Special days on the church calendar will be highlighted with appropriate readings. This calendar has been compiled by representatives of the Lutheran Church of Canada, the North American Lutheran Church and the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod. Please click this link for the daily reading calendar:

https://files.lcms.org/file/preview/JyxxRfAT2Eg7JfDCXaPP99G4y4rJrZQO?

Then scroll down to 2022 Bible Reading Calendar and download it if you so wish. The “assigned” daily readings will appear on a daily basis in this blog. May the Lord bless your meditation upon His precious life-giving Word!

Friday, August 19, 2022 - I CAN DO NOTHING ON MY OWN

"I thank you, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen." (Luther's Morning Prayer)

Day 231 - (Today’s Bible readings: 2 Kings 17:1-23; Psalm 48; Matthew 23:23-36)

I CAN DO NOTHING ON MY OWN

 “I can do nothing on my own.” (John 5:30 ESV)

Jesus is teaching us a crucial life lesson here. Even though He is the Son of God, God Himself in the flesh, still He relied on His heavenly Father. He admitted that He could do nothing on His, nothing without the will of the Father.

Since even Jesus could do nothing on His own, what makes us think that we can? We self-centered human beings are so good at acting as if we can make it on our own. James gives us his advice - “You ought to say, ‘If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.’” (James 4:15)

I am a sinner. You are a sinner. We need help. We all need Jesus...

“Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.” - Jesus (Luke 5:31-32)

Heavenly Father, help me to realize how true it is that I can do nothing without You. Help me to listen to Jesus’ call to repentance and forgiveness. Amen.

Pastor David Paape

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105 ), undergirds this three-year journey through the entire Old Testament once (the Psalms - twice yearly), and the New Testament twice. There will be daily readings from the O.T., Psalms and the N.T. Special days on the church calendar will be highlighted with appropriate readings. This calendar has been compiled by representatives of the Lutheran Church of Canada, the North American Lutheran Church and the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod. Please click this link for the daily reading calendar:

https://files.lcms.org/file/preview/JyxxRfAT2Eg7JfDCXaPP99G4y4rJrZQO?

Then scroll down to 2022 Bible Reading Calendar and download it if you so wish. The “assigned” daily readings will appear on a daily basis in this blog. May the Lord bless your meditation upon His precious life-giving Word!

Thursday, August 18, 2022 - CELEBRATE LIFE’S BLESSINGS

"I thank you, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen." (Luther's Morning Prayer)

Day 230 - (Today’s Bible readings:  2 Kings 16; Psalm 47; Matthew 23:1-22)

CELEBRATE LIFE’S BLESSINGS

Clap your hands, all peoples!

    Shout to God with loud songs of joy! (Psalm 47:1 ESV)

Today marks two special reasons for my family to celebrate God’s goodness and blessings. Today would have been my mother’s 107th birthday, she went to heaven in 2019. And today is our wedding anniversary.

When Barb and I look back at our 49 years, we wonder where the time has gone, while at the same time we see God’s hand leading us throughout all of them.

What blessings do you see in your life? Do you recognize God’s goodness and blessings in your life? It may be difficult, especially if you are dealing with a loss, or perhaps a serious medical condition. But the truth is that “all things work together for good for those who love God, for those who are called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28) How do we respond to the blessings of the Lord?

Now thank we all our God,

With hearts and hands and voices,

Who wondrous things has done,

In whom His world rejoices;

Who from our mother's arms

Has blessed us on our way

With countless gifts of love,

And still is ours today.

(“Now Thank We All Our God,”  Lutheran Service Book #895)

Heavenly Father, thank You for the blessings you have showered upon all of your people. Remind us everyday how blessed by the Lord we are. Amen.

Pastor David Paape

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105 ), undergirds this three-year journey through the entire Old Testament once (the Psalms - twice yearly), and the New Testament twice. There will be daily readings from the O.T., Psalms and the N.T. Special days on the church calendar will be highlighted with appropriate readings. This calendar has been compiled by representatives of the Lutheran Church of Canada, the North American Lutheran Church and the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod. Please click this link for the daily reading calendar:

https://files.lcms.org/file/preview/JyxxRfAT2Eg7JfDCXaPP99G4y4rJrZQO?

Then scroll down to 2022 Bible Reading Calendar and download it if you so wish. The “assigned” daily readings will appear on a daily basis in this blog. May the Lord bless your meditation upon His precious life-giving Word!

 

Wednesday, August 17, 2022 - A MIGHTY FORTRESS IS OUR GOD

 

"I thank , my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen." (Luther's Morning Prayer)

Day 229 - (Today’s Bible readings:  2 Kings 15:17-38; Psalm 46; Matthew 22:34-46)

A MIGHTY FORTRESS IS OUR GOD

Today’s reading from the Psalms, Psalm 46, is the basis for the great Reformation hymn, A Mighty Fortress Is Our God. 

1 God is our refuge and strength,

    a very present help in trouble.

2 Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way,

    though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,

3 though its waters roar and foam,

    though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Selah

4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,

    the holy habitation of the Most High.

5 God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved;

    God will help her when morning dawns.

6 The nations rage, the kingdoms totter;

    he utters his voice, the earth melts.

7 The Lord of hosts is with us;

    the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah

8 Come, behold the works of the Lord,

    how he has brought desolations on the earth.

9 He makes wars cease to the end of the earth;

    he breaks the bow and shatters the spear;

    he burns the chariots with fire.

10 “Be still, and know that I am God.

    I will be exalted among the nations,

    I will be exalted in the earth!”

11 The Lord of hosts is with us;

    the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah  (Psalm 46 ESV)  

The plaque featured today that hangs in my study, is the beginning of one of our dearest hymns. In is in German, just the way that Luther wrote it. The featured words are underlined in English.

A mighty Fortress is our God, 

A trusty Shield and Weapon;

He helps us free from ev'ry need 

That hath us now o'ertaken.

The old evil Foe 

Now means deadly woe;  

Deep guild and great might

Are his dread arms in fight;  

On earth is not his equal.

        

With might of ours can naught be done,  

Soon were our loss effected;

\But for us fights the Valiant One,  

Whom God Himself elected.

Ask ye, Who is this?  

Jesus Christ it is.  

of Sabaoth Lord,

And there's none other God;  

He holds the field forever.

         

Tho' devils all the world should fill,  

All eager to devour us,

We tremble not, we fear no ill,  

They shall not overpow'r us.

This world's prince may still

Scowl fierce as he will.

He can harm us none, 

He's judged; the deed is done;

One little word can fell him.

        

The Word they still shall let remain  

Nor any thanks have for it;

He's by our side upon the plain  

With His good gifts and Spirit.

And take they our life,  

Goods, fame, child, and wife.

Let these all be gone,  

They yet have nothing won;

The Kingdom ours remaineth.

(“A Mighty Fortress Is Our God,” LSB 656)

Lord God, thank You for being my mighty fortress and my trusty shield and weapon. Please continue to protect me and watch over me. In Jesus’ saving name. Amen. 

 

Pastor David Paape

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105 ), undergirds this three-year journey through the entire Old Testament once (the Psalms - twice yearly), and the New Testament twice. There will be daily readings from the O.T., Psalms and the N.T. Special days on the church calendar will be highlighted with appropriate readings. This calendar has been compiled by representatives of the Lutheran Church of Canada, the North American Lutheran Church and the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod. Please click this link for the daily reading calendar:

https://files.lcms.org/file/preview/JyxxRfAT2Eg7JfDCXaPP99G4y4rJrZQO?

Then scroll down to 2022 Bible Reading Calendar and download it if you so wish. The “assigned” daily readings will appear on a daily basis in this blog. May the Lord bless your meditation upon His precious life-giving Word!